Abstract
THIS paper reviews the organisations involved in exchanging data in the serials industry, the data they exchange and the methods used. Electronic Data Interchange is defined and some benefits identified. Achieving these benefits depends on the definition of standards, and alternative types of standards and their sponsoring organisations are discussed. Finally, the present state of standards development in the serials industry is reviewed, including the work of ICEDIS (The International Committee for EDI for Serials) and S.I.S.A.C. (The Serials Industry Systems Advisory Committee).